Where to find Georgia’s most affordable homes

The cost of housing across the state is on the rise, and affordable options continue to move farther away from bustling city centers. But if you’re in the market for a new home, some locales certainly fare better than others.

According to the latest estimates from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, “the premier source for detailed population and housing information about our nation,” the Georgia median multiple is 3.1, a year-over-year decrease of 0.7 percent.

A median multiple, according to HomeArea.com, “answers the question, ‘how many years would it take for the median income to pay off the median home price?’ A median multiple under three is considered affordable. People in these areas have a relatively easier time paying off a home.

For their new report, analysts at the housing website looked at all Georgia cities with a population of at least 60,000 (and with enough census data) to determine the places with the lowest median multiple — or the most affordable homes.

According to the report, the No. 1 city for most inexpensive homes is Warner Robins, which boasts a meager median multiple of 1.9, median home value of $111,300 and median household income of $45,000. The poverty rate in the middle Georgia city is 20 percent. The state’s overall rate sits at 14.9 percent.

Albany’s poverty rate is 34 percent. And, according to HomeArea, com, the southwest Georgia city has a median home value of $98,200 and median household income of $29,000.

Census data shows Sandy Springs, Atlanta and Roswell are among the state’s most expensive metros for homebuyers, but with a 3.7 median multiple, Johns Creek experienced the largest year-over-year increase. It jumped 16.7 percent from its previous 3.2 median multiple.